Making plans for the summer? Wondering what to do after you graduate? Thinking about taking a year off from school? You have options!
Whether you’re looking for ways to travel and work, internships abroad or volunteer opportunities, do your homework and you could be having a great adventure tout de suite.
Unless you have an unlimited budget, you might think about combining work and travel. The Canadian government has agreements with countries including Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe to offer easy one-year work permits for people between 18 and 35.
In some countries there are partner organizations that can help with searching out the perfect job. Many Canadians work in the hospitality industry but if you hunt, you can find jobs in other areas, too.
You might have heard about opportunities to teach English abroad, often in Korea or other parts of Asia. This is possible throughout the world but visa requirements and necessary qualifications can be limiting. It is definitely a strong option that many enjoy.
If you want plenty of flexibility in your work abroad, consider WWOOFing or becoming an au pair.
WWOOFers work on organic farms after signing up with an administrative body that helps them connect with hosts. This can be an amazing opportunity as long as you’re comfortable with some physical labour.
Being an au pair, or nanny, is similar in that you need to be ready for screaming children and families with different living styles than you.
With both of these options, make sure you are comfortable with your hosts and have a clear arrangement with them before making a commitment. Compensation and work hours vary greatly.
Instead of working the land, some people decide to wander the seas. Jobs are available on ships big and small and there are online services to help potential crewmembers connect with their future captains.
Again, before you find yourself in the middle of the Pacific – days away from the nearest port of call – make sure you are comfortable with your shipmates.
If you want structure and professional experience, consider an internship.
The Canadian International Development Agency has recently published their annual international youth internships, which provide students who have a post-secondary education with 6-12 months programs incorporating at least 5 months of work in a developing country. These opportunities may qualify for interest relief if you have a student loan.
Volun-tourism is another option becoming ever more popular.
I strongly recommend that students who are independent and comfortable abroad search out an organization and communicate with them directly.
Some companies promise to find volunteer opportunities and exploit travellers, charging exorbitant fees. If you’re travelling and want a short-term volunteer experiences, get in touch with a language school to find placements.
If you’re serious about travelling after this school year, start planning now.
Whether you’re looking at a short trip or long trip, hoping to go near or far, want to work, intern or just be nomadic, you can find appropriate options. Speak to a career counsellor, travel agent or friends.
Scour the Internet. Read many more travel articles than this one.
Then enjoy whatever adventure you choose.
